According to reports from GM Authority, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Special Edition Package may be discontinued after 2023. This package was introduced to enhance the off-road capabilities of the already impressive ZR2 trim. The ZR2 comes with features like a powerful 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, five different drive modes including Terrain and Baja, Multimatic spool valve dampers, and 33-inch tires. For an additional $9,295, the Desert Boss package adds several features such as 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, a winch-ready front bumper with a safari bar, a 40-inch light bar, an accessory power distribution box and wiring kit for more lights, a ground-facing camera mounted in the undercarriage, a sport bar in the bed, black badging, and decals. However, adding the steel driveshaft for $695 brings the total cost to $9,990. While this may not seem like a great deal considering the number of components that would make a difference on the trail, it seems that the new era of pickup buyers are not too concerned about value.
GM Authority believes that the discontinuation of the Desert Boss Special Edition Package may be due to the release of the ZR2 Bison AEV. Spy shots of this vehicle were taken in December along with images of a GMC Canyon AT4X wearing an AEV snorkel. Both trucks appeared to be riding on larger Goodyear Wrangler Terrain MT tires, possibly 35 inches, which would be two inches larger than the biggest tires available on the ZR2 and AT4X. These tires were wrapped around two different designs of beadlock-capable wheels. In addition to the bigger tires, both trucks featured a new bed-mounted full-sized spare tire that would increase departure angle by getting the spare out from under the truck. Unlike previous bed mounts, this bolted the spare to an upright at the back of the cab, leaving more space in the bed for cargo. However, this may impact rear visibility.
The AEV formula is expected to be applied to the rest of the pickup, which would include unique grilles, steel bumpers, fender flares, a suspension lift, and possibly even axle ratio changes. This seems to be a much heavier makeover than the $5,750 ZR2 Bison package available on the 2022 Colorado and looks closer to the AEV ZR2 Bison package that added another $12,999 to the MSRP after the ZR2 Bison upgrade. It is expected that the new kit will fall in line around the $58,285 Desert Boss. Based on the state of the prototypes in December, it is suspected that a debut is not far off.
In conclusion, it seems that the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Special Edition Package may be discontinued after 2023 due to the release of the ZR2 Bison AEV. While the Desert Boss package added several features to enhance off-road capabilities, it seems that the new era of pickup buyers are not too concerned about value. The ZR2 Bison AEV is expected to have a much heavier makeover than the ZR2 Bison package and will include unique grilles, steel bumpers, fender flares, a suspension lift, and possibly even axle ratio changes. It is expected that the new kit will fall in line around the $58,285 Desert Boss. A debut is expected soon based on the state of the prototypes in December.